Texans general manager Rick Smith said Friday that the team has not had any conversations with the New England Patriots about making a trade for backup quarterback Ryan Mallett.

CSN New England first reported Thursday about the potential deal of a third-rounid pick for Mallett. Mallett, 25, is entering the final year of a four-year, $2.9 million contract and is set to become a free agent after the 2014 season.

Texans coach Bill O’Brien was on the Patriots staff when Mallett was drafted in 2011, and Texans quarterbacks coach George Godsey was with Mallett in New England for three seasons.

Smith also said during the news conference to introduce No. 1 pick Jadeveon Clowney that the Texans were comfortable taking a quarterback at any point in the rest of the draft.